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Maybe you are considering planting a new church and would like to know if this is a calling from God. Or, maybe you have an interest in becoming a church planter and want to know if you should take the next step in that direction. If your answer is yes to one of the above statements, read this blog for some advice or encouragement as you seek discernment from God and others.
What does your church offer for training or equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12 ESV)? Have you ever asked that question as a church leader or pastor? Here are some ideas about who needs regular training and about what.
If you want your pastor, whether serving in a lead role or another pastoral role, to be successful, stay healthy, last longer, and grow in ministry maturity, make sure he takes a sabbatical. But what does a sabbatical look like for the pastor and the church? Read on to find out more.
I have seen so many churches that have a weakness in communication. This problem is not limited to the size of the church or the number of people who serve as pastors or ministry leaders. Rather than being part of the problem, let me help you be part of the solution with the following ideas or suggestions.
Never assume your church building is a safe and secure place. For example, in a church where I was serving as an interim pastor, we had a sheriff's deputy come and do a safety check of our facilities. I'll never forget what he said about the possibility of an active shooter coming to the church. Here's what he said: "It's not a matter of IF it will happen here, but WHEN." He offered some very practical suggestions to our church leadership after a tour of the building. Here are some suggestions for you and your church to make your people and facilities safer.
Today I learned that my dear friend and book mentor, Dr. Aubrey Malphurs, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus in glory. For much of my ministry life, I have read his books and articles, listened to his podcasts, and occasionally sat under his teaching. Dr. Malphurs taught at Dallas Theological Seminary for some 38 years where he influenced thousands who have served the Lord around the world. He was also the founder and leader of the Malphurs Group, a church consulting ministry. In honor and in memory of Dr. Malphurs, I want to recommend to you a few of his many books that have helped shape my ministry and expand God's Kingdom. Discover these great resources in this blog.
Every church pastor and leader needs to frequently ask and answer three big questions of their churches. The big three are no strangers, for you might even have preached on one or more of them recently. These questions rise up from the pages of Scripture like giant pillars of polished granite truth for the church and all followers of Jesus. They are applications of Matthew 22:34-40 and Matthew 28:18-20. Let me share the questions with you so you can apply your answers.
I will never forget an initial coaching session over the phone with an ethnic pastor. I was born and raised in the US and he was born and raised in a Middle-eastern location where Christians are frequently persecuted. I had known him for about a year and wanted to establish a coaching relationship to help him in his ministry. The purpose of my first coaching call to him was to establish a relationship with him as his coach. I also wanted to explain what our coaching conversations would be all about. After our conversation, it dawned on me that sometimes, coaching ministry leaders will not work, at least initially. My story and commentary may help you understand more about when coaching may not work.
Healthy churches do a lot if it. And, they do it well. Communication is a top priority for churches that want to remain healthy and be effective in ministry for the Lord and His Kingdom. I'm sure you want that for your church. This blog focuses on just one area of church life and ministry – your search for and calling of a new pastor. And reflecting on its contents just might help you improve other areas of ministry. Read on to find out more.
Some people ask, "Why plant churches?" They might continue, "Don't we have enough churches already in America/our city/our neighborhood?" There are a number of reasons, and here are some of them.